April 16, 2005
Gift shop in Burnham-On-Sea High Street shuts down
A Burnham-On-Sea gift shop has closed its doors to the public for the final time after its owners decided to call it a day.
The owners of ‘Just Cats’ in the High Street pulled down the shutters this week as they closed the business and moved out of Burnham.
The shop unit at 44 High Street is now empty and is up for lease for £8,500/year with nearby Burnham estate agents Gary Berryman.
‘Just Cats’ only opened last year and specialised in feline-themed gifts, collectables and merchandise.
The closure comes just days after several business owners in Burnham attacked Sedgemoor District Council for the high cost of its business rates which, it is claimed, are too high and are crippling small companies.
The business rates payable by the leaseholder of the shop at 44 The High Street are £3,798 per year.
Meanwhile, this week’s closure of ‘Just Cats’ also leaves a question mark over what business will move into the prominent location on the High Street.
Some residents are voicing fears that another charity shop could be set to move in, thereby eroding the High Street’s overall image as a good place to shop.
